Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
As a child, I was largely left on my own without discipline. I remember my friends being grounded and wanting it for myself. Perhaps I saw what Paul sees here in his letter to the Galatian churches. It is embarrassing for all concerned when someone is caught in sin but real love does the hard thing. The Galatians had been confused by two extremes. One faction would have them follow the law and be circumcised as Moses commanded. The others would seize on grace and abuse their freedom to sin without shame. This verse was written for the second group. Paul then added this warning. Know who you are and where you yourself are weak in matters of sin. Don’t let pride enter in and allow you to get puffed up and lord it over the people you are called to discipline.
In politics, on social media, and in universities, the wrong spirit of discipline is the predominant form employed. A political enemy must not escape the harshest justice for a mistake in governance. An ill-advised tweet or post is grounds for censorship and retroactive discipline. A dissenting opinion on campus, once a stage for vigorous and respectful debate, is now cause for social ostracism and mob justice.
I think the key words have been missed by today’s society. Paul called on those who are spiritual, who know they are sinners saved by grace, and that they can easily fall into sin themselves. That may be why the other key word is missing from the conversation. No one is a brother anymore…
No one is restored.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church